Even though the ICCM Food Bank keeps its shelves stocked, there are a number of months, especially in the summer, when the need of food is at an all-time high.

During the fall and winter, with the holiday giving, the ICCM Food Bank usually has the shelves, bags and refrigerators stocked with food for the many people who depend upon it.

"During the summer, the need is still there, however the giving does slack a little," Bobby Bradberry, director of the ICCM Food Bank, said.

Bradberry said during the summer children are out of school and many don't receive adequate nutrition or the necessary meals they normally receive during the school year.

"That is one thing people forget and the demand is still there, all year long," Bradberry said.

The demand for food is the same all year long, but the need during the holidays is more noticeable and people are more in a giving mood during that time.

"We, at the food bank, try to inform the public of the need all year long," Bradberry said. "Hunger is not just for the holidays."

In a couple of weeks, the Stuttgart Post Office will conduct its annual carrier drive on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, which will supply much needed food at the local food bank, Bradberry said.

"We receive a lot of food during that drive, but during the summer, we always need more" Bradberry said. "This helps us so much especially during this time of year.”

The ICCM Food Bank is stocked each month by area churches, and the food is distributed at noon on Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays in the alley between Sixth and Seventh streets and between Main and Maple streets.

The ICCM Food Bank also accepts monetary donations, as well as food from individuals, organizations and churches. For more information, contact Bradberry at (870) 830-2938